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Aaron Lynn Cowles

April 1, 1940 - December 11, 2013
Vicksburg, MI

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Visitation

Sunday, December 15, 2013
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM EST
Life Story Funeral Homes - Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren
Vicksburg Location
409 South Main Street
Vicksburg, MI 49097
(269) 649-1697
Driving Directions

Service

Monday, December 16, 2013
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST
Lakeland Reformed Church
10442 S. Sprinkle Rd.
Vicksburg, MI 49097
(269) 649-1703
Map
Web Site

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Grace Community Church Assembly of God
403 S. Kalamazoo Ave.
Vicksburg, MI 49097

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Heirloom Rose
407 S. Grand St.
Schoolcraft, MI 49087
(269) 679-3010
Driving Directions
Web Site

Rosewood Flowers & Gifts
118 South Main St.
Vicksburg, MI 49097
(877) 649-1685
Map
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Aaron Lynn Cowles

Life Story

An extraordinary man who lived an extraordinary life, Aaron Lynn Cowles was a gift to all who knew him. Although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, he was a humble man whose greatest joy was found in his unwavering faith and the love he shared with his family. A close second was Aaron’s passion for music, which was not only his livelihood but also his heart and soul. A devoted husband, loving father, and doting grandfather, he was so proud of his family tree that blossomed to include not only children, but also grandchildren and one great-grandson who filled his heart with joy.

Country music has a vibrant history beginning with the “Father of Country Music,” Jimmie Rodgers, whose hits were recorded in the late twenties and early thirties. The cowboy films of the thirties and forties greatly contributed to the evolution of country music. It was also during the forties that bluegrass first became popular thanks to Bill Monroe, who is dubbed the “Father of Bluegrass.” In many ways it is fitting that Aaron’s journey began during such an exciting time in the industry that was such a cornerstone in his life. He was born on April 1, 1940, as the third child born to his parents, Easel and Dorothery (Allerton) Cowles, in Battle Creek, Michigan. He was raised in the family home alongside his brothers, Corwin, Brian and Jon, and had one brother Bruce who did not survive. His family grew to include two half-brothers, Jimmie, and Fred. Aaron was a student at local schools and went on to graduate from Pennfield Dunlap High School, which is now known as Pennfield High School. Shortly thereafter, he took up playing the guitar.

New and exciting days were on the horizon for Aaron when he began talking on the phone with a young woman named Sandi whom he met through his brother, Jon, and her sister, Selma. The first time they talked they were on the phone for hours, and it was she who asked Aaron out on their first date to a church function. After dating for a time, the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to build a life together Aaron and Sandi were married on June 29, 1962, at Bellevue Assembly of God Church.

The year 1962 was an eventful year for Aaron because in addition to getting married, he also began his career at Gibson Guitars in Kalamazoo. He remained there until Gibson moved from Kalamazoo in the early 1980s. Aaron’s work there was a fantastic springboard for him to take his career to the next level by opening Aaron’s Music Service in 1983, where he manufactured countless instruments through the years. His work in the career he loved spanned a total of 51 years. Aaron’s work was one of a kind, and he drew musicians from all over the world who were in need of his expertise. He created, repaired, and restored all manner of stringed instruments from his shop in Vicksburg for 30 years. Each piece was custom tailored to the customer's specifications, providing each one with complete satisfaction.

Together with Sandi, Aaron was blessed with the births of three sons: David, Steven, and Eric. He loved being a father, but it was really something when their family grew to include two granddaughters, Nancy and Katie, as well as a step-grandson, Jordan, and great-grandson, Jace. In everything he did, Aaron’s love for his family was easy to see.

Throughout his life Aaron’s journey was enriched in so many ways. Even before he played the guitar, he played the mandolin - and this was when he was only six years old! Aaron joined the Wasepi Bluegrass Gospel Singers 17 years ago, and it was something he shared with his son, Eric who was a member before Aaron was. When listening to music, he preferred country and gospel with Chet Atkins music being a favorite as well. Aaron enjoyed camping, especially in his favorite place along the shores of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula. As his family and friends can attest, Aaron was amazing in the kitchen, and as far as he was concerned the spicier the better. Venison was a favorite and chili was among his specialties, but he was always sure to leave out a small amount for Sandi who preferred hers without all the spice. He and his wife liked to go antiquing, and he also enjoyed classic cars and going to Vickburg’s Old Car Festival. Aaron also collected guitars and records. Additionally, he was a member of Grace Community Church in Vicksburg.

A loving husband, father, and grandfather and loyal friend, Aaron Lynn Cowles was a wonderful man to know and love. He lived life to the fullest each day while fully embracing both the peaks and valleys along his life’s journey. Aaron was the sort of person who would do anything for his friends as he was one of the most generous people around. He was a hard-working man of integrity who did everything to the best of his ability. Aaron will be remembered for his unwavering faith in God and his devotion to making the world around him a better place. He will never be forgotten.

Aaron Lynn Cowles, of Vicksburg, died on Wednesday, December 11, 2013. Aaron’s family includes his wife, Sandi; three sons: David (Erica) Cowles, of AL; Steven (Heather) Cowles, of MD; Eric (Ruth) Cowles, of Scotts; three grandchildren: Nancy, Katie and Jordan; one great-grandson three brothers: Jon (Terry) Cowles, of Gwinn; Jimmie Cowles, of Trout Lake; Fred (Cindy) Cowles, of Ionia. Aaron was preceded in death by three brothers: Corwin, Brian and Bruce. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). The funeral will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at the Lakeland Reformed Church and interment at Boughton Cemetery. Please visit Aaron’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign his guestbook or share a memory and photo. Those who wish may make contributions to the Grace Community Church of Vicksburg.

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